I sat in the penthouse apartment, feeling like a prisoner in my own life. The luxurious furnishings and stunning views of the city seemed to mock me, reminding me of the gilded cage that I was trapped in. Julian was watching me, his eyes narrowed as if he could see right through me.
"So, Alexandra," he said, his voice low and smooth. "I think it's time we had a little chat."
I nodded, trying to seem calm. But inside, I was seething. What did Julian want to talk about now? Was it something about our marriage, or was it something more sinister?
I glanced around the room, feeling a sense of unease. The apartment was spotless, as always. The maid had been in earlier that day, and everything was immaculate. But despite the perfect appearance, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.
"I've been noticing that you've been a bit... distant lately," Julian said, his eyes glinting with amusement.
I felt a surge of defensiveness, but I tried to push it aside. "I don't know what you're talking about," I said, trying to sound nonchalant.
Julian raised an eyebrow. "Don't play dumb, Alexandra," he said. "I know you've been feeling trapped in this marriage. And I know you've been wondering when you'll be able to escape."
I felt a surge of shock, wondering how Julian had figured me out so easily. How did he know that I was feeling trapped? And what did he plan to do about it?
I tried to keep my expression neutral, but I could feel my heart racing. Julian was right, of course. I had been feeling trapped in our marriage, and I had been wondering when I would be able to escape. But I had never said anything to Julian about it. How did he know?
"Who told you that?" I asked, trying to sound calm.
Julian smiled. "No one told me," he said. "I just know you, Alexandra. I know how you think, and I know how you feel."
I felt a shiver run down my spine. Julian's words were unsettling, and they made me feel like I was being watched all the time. Which, of course, I was.
"What do you want from me?" I asked, trying to sound calm.
Julian leaned forward, his eyes locked onto mine. "I want you to start taking this marriage seriously," he said. "I want you to start acting like a wife, and not just a prisoner."
I felt a surge of anger, but I knew that I had to push it aside. I had to find a way to make this marriage work, no matter how much I hated it.
"What do you mean?" I asked, trying to sound calm.
Julian's expression was cold. "I mean that I want you to start participating in our social life," he said. "I want you to start attending events with me, and I want you to start making an effort to get to know our friends."
I felt a surge of resentment. Why was Julian doing this? Why was he trying to control me?
"I don't see why I have to do that," I said, trying to sound calm.
Julian's expression turned cold. "You'll do it because I say so," he said. "And you'll do it because it's expected of you."
I felt a surge of anger, but I knew that I had to push it aside. I had to find a way to make this marriage work, no matter how much I hated it.
"Okay," I said finally, trying to sound calm. "I'll try."
Julian smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Good," he said. "I'm glad we understand each other."
I nodded, trying to seem agreeable. But inside, I was seething. I hated Julian's controlling behavior, and I hated the fact that I was trapped in this marriage.
As the conversation came to a close, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. What did Julian have planned for me? And how was I going to escape this marriage alive?